Comprehensive Overview of Hypertension: Definition, Causes, Symptoms, Complications, and Effective Management Strategies

DEFINITION 

Hypertension is a chronic medical condition characterized by elevated blood pressure levels.

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed as two values:

Systolic BP (pressure during heartbeats).

Diastolic BP (pressure between heartbeats).

Classification (according to American Heart Association):

Normal: <120/80 mmHg

Elevated: 120-129/<80 mmHg

Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80-89 mmHg

Stage 2 Hypertension: ≥140/90 mmHg

Causes and Risk Factors

Primary (Essential) Hypertension: No identifiable cause; accounts for 90-95% of cases.

Secondary Hypertension: Caused by underlying conditions, such as:

Kidney diseases

Endocrine disorders (e.g., hyperthyroidism, Cushing's syndrome)

Obstructive sleep apnea

Risk Factors:

Modifiable: Obesity, smoking, high salt intake, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol consumption.

Non-modifiable: Age, family history, ethnicity (higher prevalence in African descent).

Symptoms and Complications

Often called the "silent killer" as it may be asymptomatic in early stages.

Symptoms (if present): Headache, dizziness, chest pain, vision changes, fatigue.

Complications:

Cardiovascular: Heart attack, heart failure, stroke.

Renal: Chronic kidney disease.

Ophthalmic: Hypertensive retinopathy.

Neurological:  Vascular dementia.

Management and Prevention

Lifestyle Modifications:

Maintain healthy weight and diet (e.g., DASH diet).

Reduce sodium intake (<2.3g/day) and increase potassium.

Regular physical activity (30 minutes/day).

Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.

Pharmacological Treatment:

First-line medications: ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, thiazide diuretics.

Combination therapy for resistant hypertension.

Prevention:

Routine blood pressure monitoring.

Early identification and management of risk factors.

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